Development of 48 flats for the elderly on Waldheim site may go ahead

The administrative court has overruled an objection to the construction of 48 old people’s flats on the Waldheim site in the city.
 
There was much rejoicing on the part of the Zug Old People’s Centres Foundation (ZAZS), the Zug Citizens’ Corporation and the city of Zug at the court’s ruling, though the objectors still have the opportunity of taking the matter to the Swiss Federal Court in Lausanne if they wish.
 
The city council had already overruled initial objections in March 2016, with the cantonal government doing the same in March of that year, hence the eight people objecting took the case to the administrative court.
This ruled that the building of 48 old people’s flats adapted specifically for the elderly was in the public interest, even though it was in a zone where special consideration was given to whatever was built there. Other objections in relation to the planned building’s proximity to surrounding areas were equally dismissed, the court ruling that the objections were unfounded. To make matters worse for the objectors they were ordered to pay CHF 7,300 in fees.
 
Speaking in his capacity as chairman of the ZAZS, Hans Christen said he was very happy with the court’s ruling. “I would not be surprised if the objectors did take the case to the Swiss Federal Court, as it is their intention to delay the project.” The chairman of Zug Citizen's Corporation, Rainer Hager, was equally pleased with the court’s ruling, and echoed how such an old people’s centre with care services offered was right for this area, not least in being able to fulfil targets in relation to the city’s strategy for geriatric care.
 
The head of planning in the city, André Wicki, was delighted as it gave those those involved in its construction more certainty than hitherto.
 
The legal case for the construction of the old people’s homes is now very clear. The city council and cantonal government were also praised by the judges for the way they had put their case for the development to go ahead.
 
The lawyer representing the objectors said he had not yet spoken with his clients with regard to what steps might now be taken but he did acknowledge that it would be difficult to persuade the Swiss Federal Court of the case, though it was not entirely without hope.